Santa Cruz water fees could go up

Turns out when it comes to water there’s a price to pay for following the rules during this drought crisis. Santa Cruz’s Water Department said residents have done such a good job conserving, that they may have to pay more for water. The city wanted a 25 percent reduction, and residents blew that goal out of the water, reducing water use by more than 30 percent the past two months. The Santa Cruz Water Department said it just isn’t making enough money to cover the costs of maintaining the infrastructure.

“We are thrilled, the community has really stepped up to the plate they
get it. They want to conserve their water supply. It’s a challenge for us
financially because our cost has not changed,” said Eileen Cross of the Santa Cruz Water Department.

But conserving is a challenge for residents too.

“No lawn no watering period. If I wash dishes I am careful how I wash my
dishes, I put them in one sink you know,” said Joe Mendonca of Santa Cruz.

Right now Santa Cruz water rations only allow residents to use 62 gallons a day per person. But the average amount residents use is down to 39 gallons a day. The water department wants to thank it’s residents for their dedication to conserving.

“No one wants to raise rates less than the city of Santa Cruz Water
Department. And so hopefully we won’t have to do that but you are paying
for what it costs us to provide the water,” Cross said.

Cross said Santa Cruz isn’t the only water agency talking about rate hikes.
Residents have been warned that there will be a rate increase, but right now water officials are still not sure what that increase will be.

“Rate increase…no idea, we’re not talking any numbers,” said Cross.

As for Mendonca, he said he’ll continue to save water no matter what, but is asking the city to hold itself accountable in it’s conservation efforts.

“I don’t mind the rate increase, my biggest constraint I would like to
see it in black and white what the city is doing in the event we do get
some rain to contain the water when it does rain,” said Mendonca.

Cross explained water agencies are trying to figure out ways to make up for their losses, and rate hikes seem to be a viable option.